Solvent-free Chemoselective Synthesis of 1,1-diacetates Catalyzed by Iron Zirconium Phosphate

In the present study, a mild, rapid, and efficient method for the protection of aldehydes with acetic anhydride (AA) in the presence of iron zirconium phosphate (ZPFe), at room temperature is reported. Selective conversion of aldehydes was observed in the presence of ketones. Under these conditions, different aldehydes bearing electron-withdrawing and electron-donating substituents were reacted with AA and the corresponding 1,1-diacetates (acylals) were obtained in high to excellent yields. The steric and electronic properties of the different substrates had a significant influence on the reaction conditions. Also, the deprotection of 1,1-diacetates has been achieved using this catalyst in water. The catalyst was characterized by several physico-chemical techniques. It was recovered easily from the reaction mixture, regenerated, and reused at least 7 times without significant loss in catalytic activity. This protocol has the advantages of easy availability, stability, reusability of the eco-friendly catalyst, chemoselectivity, simple experimental and work-up procedure, solvent-free conditions and only a stoichiometric amount of AA is needed.